Zappfresh Signs Assam Aqua Deal for 300-Tonne Fish Farm

DSM Fresh Foods, the company behind the Zappfresh brand, signed a memorandum of understanding with Gohpur Fish Farmer Producer Company to develop the Assam Aqua Project, a freshwater fish farming initiative in Biswanath District. The project will cover roughly 100 acres in Jokapora village with a target of 300 tonnes of freshwater fish annually.

The farming operations will use organised aquaculture practices covering seed sourcing, feed management, water quality, and harvest planning. The project also plans to build processing, cold chain, and distribution infrastructure to move fish from farm to market.

Gohpur Fish Farmer Producer Company, an organised body of local fish farmers, will handle end-to-end ground operations. Their involvement keeps the project rooted in the local farming community and draws on existing knowledge and relationships in the area, according to a media statement.

Deepanshu Manchanda, Managing Director of Zappfresh, said in the statement: "Strengthening sourcing capabilities and building long-term supply ecosystems remains a key focus area for us. The Assam Aqua Project is an important step towards creating a more integrated and sustainable aquaculture value chain."

"Assam is one of India's most significant freshwater fishery markets with a large number of farmers actively engaged in aquaculture, and we believe this makes it the right place to build a long-term supply ecosystem," he said.

Manchanda said the project is expected to create direct and indirect employment for local youth in Biswanath district across farming, processing, and logistics. Participation of women through self-help groups in associated activities is also planned. "We aim to improve income levels of fish farmers in the area and contribute to reducing the fish supply gap within the state," he said.